Stations of the Cross

Foundation Kung Cardinal composed by Copyright Ignatius Cardinal Kung Pin-Mei during his imprisonment in Communist

Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist • Stamford, Connecticut orn in Shanghai, China, on August 2, 1901, Ignatius Kung Pin-Mei was ordained to the priesthood in 1930. He was named the first Bishop of Soochow byB Pius XII in 1949, only months after the People’s Liberation Army marched into Shang- hai. In 1950, he was named the first Chinese Bishop of Shanghai. Bishop Kung was arrested on September 8, 1955 for his steadfast loyalty to the and to the Succes- sor of St. Peter, and was sentenced by the Communist Party to life in prison. In 1979, Blessed Pope John Paul II secretly [in pectore] named Bishop Kung a Cardinal. After 33 years’ imprisonment, Cardinal Kung was released, and spent his last years in Stamford, Connecticut. He died on March 12, 2000, and was buried from the Basilica of St. John the Evangelist, Stamford.

hese Stations of the Cross were writtenFoundation in Chinese by Bishop Kung in 1985. He had just been paroled and was living under house arrestKung at the residence of the TCatholic Patriotic Association bishops. After their comple- tion, Bishop KungCardinal entrusted them to Father Ai, the parochial vicar at the Cathedral of Shanghai, who had been ordained Copyrightby Bishop Kung years earlier.

On the cover: Bishop Ignatius Kung (second from left), along with 12 other Catholic priests, endured a two-day show trial on March 16-17, 1960, staged by the Chinese Communist Government. They were found guilty of “counterrevolutionary and anti-government” activities. Bishop Kung was sentenced to lifetime imprisonment. The priest gave the manuscript of the Stations of the Cross to an Chinese-American lady visiting Shanghai, asking that she bring them out of the country. Fearful that her luggage and hotel might be searched, she hand-copied the Stations of the Cross and mailed them to Hong Kong, then destroyed the originals. She was subsequently searched and detained, and warned that if she published any documents about Bishop Kung after her return to the U.S., her relatives in China and Father Ai would be punished. When Bishop Kung arrived in Connecticut, the lady returned her copy to him.

While Cardinal Kung lived at the Queen of Clergy Retirement Home at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Stam- ford, he daily prayed these Stations of the Cross in the hospital chapel at 3:00 p.m., followed by 20 minutes of meditation before the Blessed Sacrament. This became well known. Foundation

Even the homeless knew his schedule.Kung On two occasions, one man asked for money for train fare, and another asked for food. The CardinalCardinal left the chapel, went upstairs to his room, and returned with $5.00 for each man. When the hospital superior, Sister Daniel Marie, heard of this, she Copyrightwas alarmed. “The Bishop survived in jail for 30 years,” she is reported to have said. “The last thing I want is for him to be hurt in the hospital.” She alerted the hospital security guards to be more attentive to the homeless when the Cardinal was nearby. But the good Cardinal did not mind in the least. Introduction

The Holy City Spattered with Blood: Fourteen Stations of the Cross

he distance from the hall of the Roman Gov- ernor Pontius Pilate to Mount Calvary mea- sured only 4 to 5 miles, but it was rugged and Ttreacherous – sloping as it descended to exit the West- ern Gate, then through the valley and finally climbing Mount Calvary. Walking to complete this journey with serious wounds all over His body and carrying a heavy wooden Cross on His shoulder, Jesus’ agony truly defies our imagination!

As an act of reparation and gratitude, early Chris- tians frequently assembled to retrace Jesus’ steps to His crucifixion, venerating and reflecting on Foundationthe Fourteen Sta- tions. Kung

Passing down fromCardinal generations to the present days, Cath- olics all over the world often make the Way of the Cross Copyrightas a devotion in thanksgiving for our redemption and to show our deep love for Jesus.

Photographs of the Stations of the Cross and the Crucifixion Window in the Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist by John R. Glover. The First Station Condemning the Innocent One to Death – An Unjust Verdict We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You; Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

crowd of Jews intimidated the cowardly APilate with a fanatic demonstration and secured from him an unjust verdict. The Roman soldiers then tore off the blood-stained scar- let cloak from Jesus’ sacred body, and they clothed Him in His own garment. Foundation They immediately Kung brought forth an already-prepared big, heavy woodenCardinal cross, forcibly put it on His shoulder, and started him towards the West Gate of the Holy City to CopyrightCalvary, the execution site, to be crucified. Thus a grievous crime of injustice against an Innocent was committed!

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be. Lord Jesus, crucified. Have mercy on us. Through her heart, His sorrow sharing, all His bitter anguish bearing, now at length the sword had passed. The Second Station Embrace the Cross and Follow Christ We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You; Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

esus viewed the Cross as the instru- ment of salvation Jfor mankind and as the Divine will of His Father. In total obedi- ence, Jesus accepted the Holy Cross will- ingly and climbed Cal- vary to complete the redemption of man- kind with the sacrifice of His own blood.

We venerate the Holy Foundation Cross to conquer the Kung three enemies: the devil, the world, and the flesh, and to secure the promise of Heaven. But weCardinal are fearful of suffering and death, and live lives of dreams. Though we dare not ask for Your Cross, we implore You to grant us the grace to embrace the Cross in Copyrightour lives and not to run away from its burden.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be. Lord Jesus, crucified. Have mercy on us. O, how sad and sore distressed was that Mother, highly blest, of the sole begotten One! The Third Station Jesus Falls the First Time We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You; Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

oward noon, Jesus, suffering from extreme Tfatigue and with the weight of the Cross crushing His injured back, stumbled to the ground. But, He pressed forward with- out complaint to fulfill the will of His Father.

Jesus, grant me grace to see myself clearly, not to commit sins Foundation and wicked deeds Kung that were the cause of your falls and great suffering. Let me resolve not to sin again, or at least be less sinful that I might reduce Your burden.Cardinal Grant me perseverance and courage to walk the rugged road of life full of obstacles, and not to be afraid to rise from every fall, to follow You, My Lord, closely, Copyrightnever to falter or lag behind.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be. Lord Jesus, crucified. Have mercy on us. Christ above in torment hands: She beneath beholds the pangs of her dying glorious Son of the sole begotten One! The Fourth Station Meeting on the Way to Calvary We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You; Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

long the road stood the Blessed MotherA and John. A heart-wrenching meeting between a mother and son – the heart of the Blessed Mother cradling the sorrowful Jesus; His heart holding His weeping Mother. Both hearts pierced, suffering extreme sorrow in silence. Foundation Kung Most Holy and Sorrowful Virgin Mary, I am the cause of your Son’s suffering. My sins are grave – they are the swords piercing throughCardinal your heart. I do not deserve your mercy. Knowing your boundless kindness, please intercede for me. At the hour of my death, let me see Jesus who will take me Copyrightto enjoy eternal happiness in Heaven. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be. Lord Jesus, crucified. Have mercy on us. Is there one who would not weep, whelmed in miseries so deep, Christ’s dear Mother to behold? The Fifth Station Embrace the Cross We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You; Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

he mob feared that Jesus might die of Tserious wounds be- fore reaching Mount Calvary. They forced a passer-by, Simon, to help Jesus carry His heavy Cross to the execution site. Simon was blessed to perform this act, an act the Apostles were not given the chance to perform. Foundation Kung If you are envious of Simon, you only need to endure pa- tiently hardships in your life: poverty, sickness, trials, and tribulations. ThisCardinal is the way of carrying the Cross given to you by God. If you can actively preach the Gospel, save more souls, and share in Jesus’ work of salvation, you will Copyrightbe helping Jesus in carrying His Cross as Simon had done.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be. Lord Jesus, crucified. Have mercy on us. Can the human heart refrain from partaking in her pain, In that Mother’s pain untold? The Sixth Station Adoration of His Sacred Image We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You; Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

eronica, a brave holy woman, was moved by Jesus’V soiled, blood- stained face. She braved the cruel mobs, rushed directly to Je- sus, and offered her veil to wipe His Holy Face. To reward Ve- ronica’s courage, Jesus imprinted His sacred image on her veil.

O my Jesus, grant Foundation me the grace to al- Kung ways see You – mankind’s most beautiful image! Preserve my fidelity to You. Let me not be stained with sins lestI would be ashamedCardinal to venerate Your Holy Face. Grant me courage not to recoil from my duties due to suffering or even death. Grant me prudence to clearly recognize false Copyrightbelief by focusing on the vision of Your Holy Face.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be. Lord Jesus, crucified. Have mercy on us. Bruised, derided, cursed, defiled, She beheld her tender Child, all with bloody scourges rent. The Seventh Station Jesus Falls Again We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You; Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

esus carried the Cross through the Western Gate. J Overcome by ex- haustion, He fell again at the feet of sinners, subjected to trampling and ridicule.

O my meek and kind Savior, you got up and pushed on for my redemption without any complaint. From dust I came, but my Foundation sins cast me even low- Kung er. I was arrogant and conceited, putting myself above others. With this attitude I not only deceived others, I also fooled myself.Cardinal Shamefully I committed the serious sin of pride. I now repent with humility. I beg my Lord to forgive me all my past sins and grant me the virtue of Copyrightcharity and humility.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be. Lord Jesus, crucified. Have mercy on us. For the sins of His own nation, saw Him hang in desolation till His spirit forth He sent. The Eighth Station Weep for Your Sins We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You; Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

s Jesus exited the gate, some women who wereA following Him were weeping with great compassion. Jesus consoled them and said, “Women of Jerusalem, weep not for my suf- fering, but weep for the sins that caused my suf- fering. Weep also for the future disaster that shall befall you and your chil- dren. There shall be fire Foundation and destruction of the Kung temple and the holy city, the killing and enslavement of the people, and the Cardinalgreat suffering of the end of a nation.” O Jesus, I implore you to give me tears to cleanse my soul and the resolve to sin no more so that I can avoid the heavy Copyrightpunishment due for my sins.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be. Lord Jesus, crucified. Have mercy on us. O thou Mother: font of love! Touch my spirit from above, make my heart with thine accord. The Ninth Station The Third Fall and Rise of Jesus We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You; Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

esus descended a hilly slope from the Holy City before J climbing up Mount Calva- ry again. Under the crush- ing weight of the Cross, Jesus fell to the ground for the third time, causing him the most intense pain and opening wide His Sa- cred Wounds. Three times Jesus fell and rose again; each time He struggled to His feet, bravely pushing forward to complete His Foundation great act of redemption. Kung O Jesus, give me spiritual strength and fortitude. Grant me not only wisdomCardinal to discern temptations, but also an un- shakeable will not to commit sin. If I should fall, let me not be afraid to get up and try again, to follow Your footsteps, Copyrightand never succumb to fear or despair.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be. Lord Jesus, crucified. Have mercy on us. Make me feel as thou has felt; make my soul to glow and melt, with the love of Christ my Lord. The Tenth Station Nailing My Own Desire to the Cross We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You; Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

is back hunched, Jesus stumbled along, forcing HimselfH forward. He collapsed on the edge of the crucifixion site. A soldier tore off His blood-soaked garments, taking with it His skin and flesh. This exposed Jesus’ naked mangled body, subjecting Him to unspeakable humiliation and pain. They forced Jesus to drink sour wine Foundation to increase His pain. Kung Jesus, I indulge sinfully in sumptuous food, fashion, and sexual pleasure,Cardinal causing You humiliation and suffering. I resolve to renounce all sins related to gluttony, seductive clothing, and passions of the flesh, so I may show my grati- Copyrighttude to You for Your suffering caused by me.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be. Lord Jesus, crucified. Have mercy on us. Holy Mother, pierce me through; In my heart each wound renew of my Savior crucified. The Eleventh Station You Pierced My Hands and My Feet, and Counted My Bones We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You; Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

aking a ham- mer, the soldiers pounded nails Tinto Jesus’ hands and feet. Then, they tied His sacred body to the Cross. Imagine the big iron nails piercing Jesus’ flesh, slicing tendons, forced be- tween the bones of His limbs. What hor- rific pain! This - tor turous punishment Foundation was designed for the Kung worst criminals and slaves – never for a Roman citizen.

Jesus suffered theCardinal crucifixion to redeem my sins of suc- cumbing to worldly pleasures and uncontrolled desires. CopyrightFrom now on, I resolve to nail my passions and desires to the Cross to eliminate the root cause of my sins. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be. Lord Jesus, crucified. Have mercy on us. Let me share with Thee His pain, Who for all my sins was slain, Who for me in torment died. The Twelfth Station All Generations Venerate the Holy Cross We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You; Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

t noon, the soldiers elevated the Cross and placed it be- Atween two crucified crimi- nals, one of whom was cynical and insulting to Jesus. With every movement of the Cross, Jesus’ wounds were further split apart. O Holy Son of God, what suf- fering! What humiliation! Behold, hanging high on the Cross was the Sacred Body of Jesus, naked and broken.

Jesus Christ, we adore you Foundation and we praise you. I kneel Kung before You and humbly confess my sins. It was my sins that pierced Your hands and feet, crowned Your head with thorns, pierced Your Heart,Cardinal and caused Your most perfect body to be trampled upon like a worthless creature in the mud. The sins were the cause of Your suffering. I am not Copyrightworthy to venerate Your Holy Face. I implore You to forgive all my sins. I will not sin against You again.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be. Lord Jesus, crucified. Have mercy on us. Let me mingle tears with thee, mourning Him who mourned for me, all the days that I may live. Jesus Bowed His Head and Died

t was the day before Passover [Saturday, 14th of Nisan]. Jesus’ body had been hanging on the Cross since noon – His entire body weight suspended by three nails. His ICrown of Thorns prevented Him from looking up towards Heaven; He could only look at the jeering, abusing crowd below. What unspeakable, heart-wrenching torture! He remained in this state for three hours when He cried out in a loud voice: “It is finished.”

Jesus then bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

At that moment, the sky darkened and moved, the earth trembled, the whole world turned dark. Graves split open. Onlookers struck their breasts and wailed in remorseful agony. Heaven and earth moaned over Jesus’ tragic death. Many said, “This man is indeed the Son of God. Who else could have brought forth such an astounding change on the whole earth?” In fear they covered their heads and faces and dispersed. Remaining beneath the Cross wereFoundation the Blessed Mother, John, Mary Magdalene, Kungand some other holy wom- en weeping in unspeakable compassion for the death of Jesus, their LordCardinal and Savior. One of the soldiers came and broke the legs of the two crucified thieves in order to speed up their deaths. To make Copyrightsure that Jesus was indeed dead, a soldier thrust his lance through His ribs into His Holy Heart, and out flowed the last drops of His Precious Blood.

Jesus, may Your Passion and Death strengthen me and never let me betray You. The Thirteenth Station Removal of the Holy Body from the Cross We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You; Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

man named Joseph of Ari- mathea, togeth- Aer with Nicodemus (both were disciples in secret), petitioned Pi- late and received the body of Jesus. They brought along tools and took Jesus’ sacred body and placed it at the bosom of His Blessed Mother. Conforming to the Jewish custom, they anointed the body Foundation with perfumed oils and Kung wrapped it in burial cloth. They placed the body in a newly-hewn tomb pre- pared for JosephCardinal himself, then they rolled a big rock against its entrance. Because it was the day of preparation for the Sabbath, the Blessed Mother and the holy people helping in Copyrightthe burial had to complete the ceremony quickly.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be. Lord Jesus, crucified. Have mercy on us. By the cross with thee to stay; there with thee to weep and pray is all I ask of thee to give. The Fourteenth Station The Burial of the Holy Body and Mourning the Death of Jesus We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You; Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

he sacred Body of Jesus was laid to rest in a stone tomb. The Tchief priests sent guards to keep watch, to stop Jesus from fulfilling His prophecy of rising from the dead on the third day. The poor fools’ plan was defeated! At the predicted time, Jesus was gloriously raised from the dead.

Jesus spent over 30 years Foundation glorifying God and teach- Kung ing us His divine way. He set the example to exhort mankind to put aside their own desires; He instituted Sacraments to give us the GraceCardinal to do good and avoid evils. If only man- kind would follow Jesus’ teaching and make good use of the CopyrightSacraments, everyone could be assured of the Kingdom of God. O Victory! Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be. Lord Jesus, crucified. Have mercy on us. Virgin of all virgins best, listen to my fond request: let me share thy grief divine. Prayer Before a Crucifix

ook down upon me, good and gentle Jesus, while before Your face I humbly Lkneel and, with burning soul, pray and beseech You to fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope, and charity; true contrition for my sins; and a firm purpose of amendment; while I contemplate, with great love and tender pity, Your five most precious wounds, pondering over them within me and calling to mind the words which David, Your prophet, said to You, my Jesus: “They have pierced My hands and My feet, they have numbered all My bones.” Amen. Prayers for the Intentions of the Holy Father Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.Foundation Kung Cardinal Please pray one “Hail Mary”daily for the opening of the Copyright cause of canonization for Ignatius Cardinal Kung Pin-Mei

The Cardinal Kung Foundation P.O. Box 8086, Stamford, CT 06905 USA • 203-329-9712 Web: http://www.cardinalkungfoundation.org